HOW CAN PARTNER/CARE GIVER HELP TO LIFT SPIRITS?

Aug 25, 2004

HI Dr.E: Thank you for everything you do, and God bless you. I am in a 32 year relationship with a guy who has been positive since 1988. His survival and reasonably good health are truely remarkable. Yet, at times, he becones so dispirited and stressed (from the diseasee as well as the meds) that he is very difficult to be around. Howver, I know that is when he needs me the most. I am totally committed to this and need suggestions as to how to help him, and me, lift our spirits, and both be more fun to be around. (Friends have slowly but surely fadded away on us.) Thanks much.

Response from Dr. Horwath

Your friend and you might benefit from an HIV support group. If you can find one in your area, that might be helpful to provide some support and encouragement.

However, if your friend has severe or persistent depression, he may need a some professional help, like an evaluation by a mental health professional.

This forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not rendering medical, mental health, legal or other professional advice or services. If you have or suspect you may have a medical, mental health, legal or other problem that requires advice, consult your own caregiver, attorney or other qualified professional.

Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither TheBody.com nor any advertiser is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.

The Body is a service of Remedy Health Media, LLC, 750 3rd Avenue, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10017. The Body and its logos are trademarks of Remedy Health Media, LLC, and its subsidiaries, which owns the copyright of The Body's homepage, topic pages, page designs and HTML code. General Disclaimer: The Body is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through The Body should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, consult your health care provider.